Friday, January 29, 2016

Texas First Detector Seminar








Saturday, February 6, 2016
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin 78746


“See something, say something”…a program that gardeners can use to improve observation skills detecting invasive pests (insects) and diseases such as the brown marmorated stink bug and rose rosette that may appear and cause problems in our gardens and landscapes. Susan Jung and Tommie Clayton, Travis County Master Gardeners, will introduce you to the National Plant Diagnostic Network program, review “wanted posters” so you’ll know what to look for, provide web based resources, and where to report sightings for confirmation.

Seminar is free and open to the public, No RSVP is required.
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

Friday, January 22, 2016

Dealing with Drought in the Landscape Series - Austin


Learn ways to help your landscape and garden perform while conserving, preserving and protecting our water resources. Starting February 2016, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service‐Travis County will be offering monthly seminars on Dealing with Drought in the Landscape.

When: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service‐Travis County, 1600‐B Smith Road, Austin, 78721
Cost: $10/seminar for early registration; $15/seminar for late or on‐site
NO cash accepted ‐ checks and credit cards only.

Space is limited so register on‐line early to reserve your seat!

Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979‐845‐2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512‐854‐9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu



February 11 - Effects on Insect Ecology: How You Can Help
The talk covers why insects and other arthropods are important to humans and other animals, how drought impacts various insect groups and how people can help attract and keep insects in their yard even in times of drought.   Wizzie Brown serves as Program Specialist – IPM in the Austin metroplex encompassing Travis County and surrounding counties. Visit her blog at http://urban-ipm.blogspot.com/




March 10 - Lawn Maintenance for Water Conservation
When there are drought conditions in Central Texas, landscape  plants become water-stressed so it’s important to look at how you are caring for your lawn to help it survive. Learn how to look for signs of insects, diseases and weeds. Find out the best way to water, fertilize, and mow your lawn. Daphne Richards, County Extension Agent—Horticulture leads educational programming in the areas of home horticulture, urban agriculture, and the green industry.


April 14 - Rainwater Harvesting for Landscape Use
Take advantage of a rainwater collection system to help your landscape, trees and lawn survive Central Texas’ drought conditions.  Master Gardener Ed Parken will discuss ways to collect rain, how to use it and ways to add art to a tank. He will provide a tutorial on PVC pipe construction and a tour of the rainwater collection system at the Extension Office Demonstration Garden.




May 12 - Tree Care
Many trees are stressed by prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. Selecting trees that use water efficiently is one way to make your landscape more resistant to drought. Learn about several tree maintenance procedures to increase a tree’s chance during drought such as mulching, proper pruning, limiting fertilization and supplemental irrigation.  Lara Schuman, an ISA Certified Arborist and acting Program Manager at City of Austin Urban Forestry will share her knowledge on caring for trees.


June 9 - Texas Tough Plants
Are you looking for colorful, low-maintenance plants for your garden? Join us to learn about some terrific Texas native plants that can bring beauty and function to your garden while being well adapted to handle Texas’ blazing summers, drought, and other weather extremes. In addition to being water-wise, native plants provide great benefits to pollinators and birds.   4-H CAPITAL’s gardening specialist and Texas Master Naturalist Meredith O’Reilly will guide you in choosing the right natives for your yard and your garden.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

February Seminars: Detect Pests and Diseases; Insect Ecology


Texas First Detector
Saturday, February 6, 2016
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin 78746

“See something, say something”…a program that gardeners can use to improve observation skills detecting invasive pests (insects) and diseases such as the brown marmorated stink bug and rose rosette (see picture) that may appear and cause problems in our gardens and landscapes. Susan Jung and Tommie Clayton, Travis County Master Gardeners, will introduce you to the National Plant Diagnostic Network program, review “wanted posters” so you’ll know what to look for, provide web based resources, and where to report sightings for confirmation.

Seminar is free and open to the public, No RSVP is required
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/local-extension-resources/calendar-2/


  
Effects on Insect Ecology: How You Can Help
Thursday, February 11, 2016
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721

The talk covers why insects and other arthropods are important to humans and other animals, how drought impacts various insect groups and how people can help attract and keep insects in their yard even in times of drought. Wizzie Brown serves as Program Specialist – IPM in the Austin metroplex encompassing Travis County and surrounding counties. Visit her blog at http://urban-ipm.blogspot.com/

Cost: $10 through 2/1; $15 starting 2/2 and on-site
NO cash accepted - checks and credit cards only.

Space is limited so register on-line early to reserve your seat!
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/local-extension-resources/calendar-2/

Monday, January 4, 2016

Compost seminar - Saturday!

Saturday, January 9, 2016
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78746
10 am - noon

 
Compost isn’t just a pile of dead leaves! It’s a vital community of microorganisms that work to add vital nutrients, moisture, and structure to your soil. Travis County Master Gardener Sheryl Williams will explain the basic science of how compost is created, what materials you can use to make compost, types of compost containers and which to choose, plus what type of compost is best for your garden. Join the tour of the Zilker Botanical Garden-Compost Demonstration area to compare different types of compost systems ‐ please dress appropriately.
 
Seminar is free.
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600